RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the functional reconstruction technique for partial lower lip defects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>7 patients with lower lip cancer (3 cases of basal cell carcinoma, 2 cases squamous cell carcinoma and 2 cases papillary carcinoma) underwent excision. The full-thickness lower lip defects were one-third to two-third of the total lower lip length. All the defects were reconstructed with V-Y island advancement flaps based on the mental neurovascular bundle.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no flap loss. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period of 3 months to one year. Both the aesthetic appearance, muscle function and sensation of the reconstructed lower lip were satisfactory.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Mental neurovascular V-Y island advancement flap is an ideal method for functional repair of partial lower lip defect.</p>